Coneflower Echinacea 'Tiki Torch' (PBR)
ABOUT
Echinacea 'Tiki Torch' is a striking flowering plant known for its vibrant, deep orange blossoms. The petals are broad and slightly reflexed, creating a cone-shaped flower that is bold in appearance, with a coppery-orange tone that makes a statement in any garden. The center cone of the flower is a rich brown and pronounced, adding to the plant's dramatic presentation. It emanates from a central point, like a dark cushion surrounded by the fiery petals. The foliage is a lush green, with leaves that are lance-shaped, adding a nice contrast to the bright flowers. This coneflower variety is a favorite among gardeners for the rich, warm hues it brings to a garden's palette.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Tiki Torch Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea 'Tiki Torch' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Echinacea 'Tiki Torch', commonly known as coneflower, is not generally considered toxic to humans. In fact, parts of the plant are commonly used in herbal remedies for their purported immune-boosting properties. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, particularly if they have allergies to other members of the Asteraceae family. Overconsumption could lead to gastrointestinal upset, but it is not commonly associated with severe poisoning or life-threatening consequences in humans when ingested in typical amounts.
To pets
Coneflower is not generally known to be toxic to pets. This includes cats, dogs, and other domestic animals. While it is always possible for an individual animal to have a unique sensitivity or allergic reaction to any plant, typical ingestion of coneflower does not result in poisoning or serious side effects. It is always best for pet owners to monitor their pets and prevent them from consuming large quantities of any non-food plants, as they can cause digestive upset or indicate an underlying behavioral issue.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Echinacea 'Tiki Torch' invites bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to support the local ecosystem.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Low maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long blooming period: It produces vibrant flowers for an extended time from midsummer to fall, offering lasting garden interest.
- Resistance to deer: Its foliage and flowers are typically resistant to grazing by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with a deer population.
- Improves garden aesthetic: The striking orange-red flowers add a splash of color and visual appeal to any garden or landscape.
- Easy to grow: Echinacea 'Tiki Torch' adapts well to a variety of soil types and climate conditions, enhancing its success rate for gardeners.
- Cut flower use: Its sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms are ideal for fresh floral arrangements.
- Propagates easily: It can be readily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to create more plants for other areas of the garden or to share with friends.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea 'Tiki Torch' is believed to enhance the immune system.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Upper respiratory health: Used to alleviate symptoms of common colds and other respiratory infections.
- Antimicrobial effects: May have antibacterial and antiviral properties which can help fight infections.
- Wound healing: Sometimes used topically to aid in the healing of minor wounds.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinacea 'Tiki Torch' can be used as a natural fabric dye, with the flowers producing a range of colors from greens to yellows depending on the mordant used.
- The tough stems of Echinacea can be woven into a rudimentary form of paper, providing a unique texture and color for artisan crafts.
- Petals of Echinacea have been used in potpourri mixes for their color and mild natural scent, adding a subtle aesthetic to the mixture.
- The seeds of Echinacea 'Tiki Torch' can be used to feed birds, particularly in the winter when food sources are scarce.
- The plant can be used in landscape design to create a natural barrier or hedge due to its height and bushy growth.
- Echinacea flowers can be utilized in artistic compositions, such as flower pressing, for their vivid colors and striking form.
- When included in a compost heap, Echinacea plant material can help to accelerate the composting process due to its high nitrogen content.
- The roots of Echinacea, once dried and ground, can be used as a natural brown pigment in artworks and crafts.
- Dried Echinacea flowers can be incorporated into homemade candles for decoration and to provide a slight fragrance when burned.
- The seed heads of Echinacea can be left on the plant to add winter interest to gardens and provide a structural element in the off-season landscape.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Echinacea is widely known for its medicinal properties, particularly its ability to boost the immune system and ward off colds.
- Strength: The robust nature of Echinacea 'Tiki Torch' reflects qualities of resilience and the capability to withstand tough conditions.
- Purity: The bright and clean appearance of the flower is often associated with purity and cleanliness due to its clear, striking color.
- Beauty: The vibrant orange blooms of the 'Tiki Torch' variety are a symbol of natural beauty and attractiveness.
- Prosperity: Echinacea flowers, due to their use in medicine, can symbolize a wish for prosperity and good health.
WaterConeflower 'Tiki Torch' should be watered deeply to encourage a strong root system, typically it’s sufficient to water once or twice a week depending on the weather and soil moisture levels. Ensure the soil is well-drained and allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently. A general rule is to provide about 1 gallon per plant per week during the growing season, adjusting as necessary for rainfall, humidity, and temperature conditions.
LightConeflower 'Tiki Torch' thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day is ideal. Planting in a spot that receives ample morning sunlight and some afternoon shade can help protect the blooms from intense heat. Avoid overly shaded areas as this can lead to poor blooming and an increased risk of fungal diseases due to insufficient light.
TemperatureConeflower 'Tiki Torch' prefers a temperate climate and can tolerate a range of temperatures but performs best with daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. To flourish, it should be planted in an area where the temperature does not frequently exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit during its blooming period in summer.
PruningPruning Coneflower 'Tiki Torch' encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut back the plant to about a third of its height after the first killing frost to prepare it for winter. If preferred, leave the seed heads over winter for birds and cut back in early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Tiki Torch' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. For the best soil mix, combine equal parts of garden soil, compost, and gritty material like perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration and drainage. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingConeflower 'Tiki Torch' is typically grown as a perennial in gardens and does not require frequent repotting. However, when grown in containers, it should be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Tiki Torch' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and generally prefers the natural humidity found outdoors. It does not have specific humidity requirements and will thrive in average garden conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA.
Life cycleConeflower 'Tiki Torch' (PBR) begins its life as a dormant seed that requires stratification, a period of cold temperature, to break dormancy and germinate, typically in the spring. After germination, the seedling develops a taproot and foliage, entering a vegetative growth phase where it forms a rosette of leaves at ground level. As the plant matures, it develops stems and leaves above ground, preparing for the flowering stage. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer, where the plant produces vibrant orange blooms with a prominent conical center that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, which mature and disperse seeds for the next generation. The plant may enter a period of dormancy in the winter, dying back to the ground, only to regrow from the roots in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring-Early Summer
The Echinacea 'Tiki Torch', commonly known as Coneflower, is typically propagated by division, which is best performed in the spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of coneflower plants and gently separate the clump into smaller segments, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Ensuring each division has roots and shoots is crucial for successful growth. These divisions can then be replanted into prepared garden soil, spaced approximately 1 to 3 feet apart, to allow for mature growth. Adequate watering after planting is essential to help the new divisions establish. This not only rejuvenates the clump but also provides additional plants to expand the garden or share with fellow gardeners.
